LED vs Sodium lamps vs Metal Halide

Both light technology is favorite by over incandescent and fluorescent because of its higher energy efficiency and higher color rendering index (CRI), but there are still a number of limitations when compared to LED light technology.

Now let’s take a look at the difference between Sodium lamps and Metal halide technology, before utilize it to LED.

Sodium Lamps

Light and color output of sodium lamps are largely dependent the sodium that is stored within the lamp. When the sodium in the arc is vaporized under voltaic excitement, it will emit its signature yellow and orange hue, color temperature between 3000K and 4000K.

Advantages

It is up to 7x more energy efficient than incandescent and 2x compared to mercury vape.
Long rated lifespan – Typically up to 20,000 hours.
Luminous flux of lamp is maintained though out its operation.
Wide capacity range, 35 – 1000W
Applicable in a wide array of installation areas

Disadvantages

Its limited color temperature, might not be suitable for some applications
A ballast is required to control current and voltage
It takes between 5 – 10 mins to achieve full ightness of lamp
Continuous and rapid switching lamp on / off, will degrade lamp’s durability and lifespan
Contain toxic chemicals

Metal Halide Lamps

A metal halide lamp has the same composition as a mercury vapour lamp, and metal halide usually has an additional mixture of omine or iodine to increase the light intensity. Light emitted from a metal halide lamp is usually between 4500K – 5500K.

Advantages

Up to 5x more energy efficient compared to incandescent lamps and high color rending index.
Luminous intensity remains stable through it rated lifespan.
Diversified application areas: Car park, stadiums, factories and etc ..

DIsadvantages

It takes between 5 – 10 mins to achieve full ightness of lamp
Low rated lifespan (6,000 – 15,000 hours)
Emits multidirectional light (360 degrees), result in a loss of over 30% in illumination
Frequent switching on / off, degrades lamp lifespan
Contain toxic chemicals

Why is LED the perfect replacement for sodium lamp and metal halide lamp?

Light and color output of sodium lamps are largely dependent the sodium that is stored within the lamp. When the sodium in the arc is vaporized under voltaic excitement, it will emit its signature yellow and orange hue, color temperature between 3000K and 4000K.

Cost savings

As mentioned above, sodium lamps and metal halide lamps have a lifespan between 6,000 to 20,000 hours, trong Paragon LED are rated a minimum of 25,000 hours and upwards of 50,000 hours.

And LED does not require a warm up period to achieve maximum ightness and its ability to light up is also not affected by ambient temperature. LED light lifespan is also not affected by the constant switching on / off of lamps.

LED are also known as directional lighting, as such it does not possess the traits of sodium and metal halide lamps where light is emitted in all direction. LED are able to direct light where light is needed.

Energy saving

With the immediate start up (maximum ightness instantaneously), less energy is wasted while waiting for lamp to reach maximum ightness. LED also requires less energy to operate due to its energy efficient electrical layout.

Quality of light

LED do not emit UV or IR radiation during operation, and are cooler during operation. Sodium and metal halide lamps emit a substantial amount of heat during operation, due to its operation inefficiency. Its ability to fully harness the electricity input during operation, majority of electrical energy are being emitted as heat during operation.

Additional advantage

The initial costs of installing LED is no doubt higher, when compared to sodium or metal halide lamps, but the costs required to maintain and replace LED is significantly lower.

Sodium and metal halide are not as resistant to impact and viations, as such it might eak down more often when compared to LED.

LED lamps are also less pollutive, when it comes to disposing it. LED are not prone to sudden fire outeak, due to it not containing any hazardous chemicals within.

Whereas a sodium lamp might ignite when its glass cover eaks, when the mercury is mixed with the surrounding air. As such, much caution is needed when it comes to disposing sodium and metal halide lamps.